GENDER, CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY AND MUSIC ACTIVISM IN THE FESTIVAL OF SANTA CRUZ IN THE CONTEXT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

In the last decades the studies have analyzed different processes of traditionalization, from
folklorization to the revival of music and dance. Among the expressive behaviors that define these
forms of culture in Portugal, my study goes to the Festa da Santa Cruz that takes place annually at
Aldeia da Venda, in the municipality of Alandroal. My concern is with women's activism in maintaining
a traditional festival, that is, in the intangible heritage, with a clear resistance to transnational
hegemonic forces. This study presents a reflection on the social dynamics taken by women activists
fighting for collective memory and local immaterial cultural heritage. Starting from the question of the
action of women activists in the construction of the Holy Cross Festival; the relationship of these
women in the construction, self-identification, promotion of their shared knowledge; and in this
scenario the social ecological relationship for the sustainability of cultural, diversity and human rights.
The investigation of the Festa da Santa Cruz was carried out at Aldeia da Venda, located in Alandroal,
Alentejo area (Portugal). The basis was field immersion, with participant observation, use of oral
history techniques; Ethnography is based on the study of dialogic and collaborative practices with
women and other participants in the celebration. Thus, the project proposed to develop two distinct
actions: academic research and science with and for society